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steve mcqueen

The Classicist: Early Spring Style Starring the Volvo S60

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Books, Men's Style, The Classicist

Volvo s60

The new Volvo S60 R-Design, the marque's sportiest model ever, serves as the inspiration for The Classicist's latest installment of seasonal style (see the late winter edition here).

As previewed by our brethren at Autoblog at the Paris Auto Show, the S60 R-Design amps up what Volvo had already declared to be its first "naughty" model; ask anyone who knows us – we've always had a soft spot for naughty models. The car's snappy 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline turbo six remains unchanged, but the R-Design designation adds some styling upgrades that give it an aptly more aggressive stance.

Steve McQueen's Husqvarna Motorcycle Up for Auction

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, The Classicist

Steve Mcqueen Husqvarna Motorcycle

The Husqvarna 400CR motorcycle pictured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in August 1971 ridden by Steve McQueen, aka The King of Cool, will be auctioned off on May 14 at Quail Lodge in Carmel, California during Bonhams' sale of Exceptional Motorcycles & Related Memorabilia. McQueen's favorite motorcycle for a number of years, which he rode at the Elsinore Grand Prix among other events, it's sure to fetch a significant amount. The bike is featured prominently in the cool new edition of McQueen's Machines: The Cars and Bikes of a Hollywood Icon from Motorbooks.

The Husqvarna was originally purchased from the Steve McQueen Estate Sale in 1984 at Harrah's Auto Collection in Las Vegas. In addition to being impeccably restored and fully documented it comes with a wooden trunk marked "Husky" full of accessories. More McQueen ephemera will be offered at the sale including numerous racing trophies won by the legend of the silver screen and die-hard motorbike enthusiast. As we reported on March 10, McQueen's 1970 Porsche 911 is also headed for auction this summer.

Steve McQueen's Famed 1970 Porsche 911S at Auction

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, The Classicist


RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, will offer Steve McQueen's iconic 1970 Porsche 911S, featured in his epic Hollywood film Le Mans, at its highly-anticipated Monterey sale in California on August 18 – 20. Built to the highest 1970 specification, complete with air conditioning and a full complement of factory options, the slate grey 911S stars in the film's legendary opening sequence as McQueen's character, hotshot Porsche driver Michael Delaney, drives through the French countryside reflecting on life, death, and racing.

In addition to its starring role in the film, the Porsche 911S was used as Steve McQueen's personal transport during the movie's production, later joining his own stable of extraordinary motor cars in California – a collection that over the years included everything from a Jaguar XK-SS, multiple Ferraris, Porsches, airplanes, motorcycles and everything in between. Today, the 911S is presented in exceptionally original condition, and is offered from the collection of one of America's foremost Porsche aficionados.

The Classicist: London's Luxe Salon Prive Comes to 'Gosford Park'

Filed under: Estates, Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions, Events, The Classicist

gosford park
The Salon Privé, Europe's finest and largest dedicated display of supercars, exotics, classics and luxury goods in an English garden party setting, is moving to an amazing new venue this summer to house the largest exhibition to date and an incredible auction alongside. Syon Park (above), the sprawling London estate of the Duke of Northumberland, whose family have lived there for over 400 years, is best known as the mansion used in the movie Gosford Park and is the last surviving ducal residence retaining its country estate in Greater London, making a fitting new setting for the five-star event slated for June 22nd – 24th.

To mark the occasion, RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house, has selected Salon Privé as the venue for its third annual European sale. Themed 'Quintessentially English' and scheduled for June 23, the new RM sale is set to become a regular fixture on the company's global events calendar, catering specifically for collectors with an affinity for British marques. Also joining the luxe event, now in its sixth season, for the first time is Land Rover who have confirmed that they will show the new Range Rover Evoque models which guests will be able to test drive.

2011 marks a return to the event for Porsche alongside such brands as Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Maserati, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Morgan and Rolls-Royce. In addition to the stunning display of modern super and luxury cars, the event's internationally renowned Concours d'Elégance returns with seven new categories and a display of some of the rarest and most valuable cars in the world. Examples of this year's categories include Ferrari 250 Competizione, Historic Grand Prix Single Seaters, Grand Routier, Oddballs, Motorcycles from the Steve McQueen era and a collection of stunning Rolls-Royce models to celebrate the 100 year centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy. [cont'd]

The Classicist: Barbour Launches the Ltd. Edition Steve McQueen Collection

Filed under: Apparel, Sports, Men's Style, The Classicist

barbour
EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Two icons of authentic sporting style come together in classic British outerwear brand Barbour's cool new limited edition collection designed in homage to the great Steve McQueen, set to launch this fall. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of their iconic International clothing range, which the King of Cool wore while motorcycle racing in the 1960s, the capsule collection of 19 pieces features several new jackets, shirts and sweaters inspired by archival photos of the actor racing motorbikes and driving his collection of classic sports cars. McQueen first donned a Barbour International jacket when he represented the United States team in the 1964 International Six Day Trials (ISDT) motorcycle race in East Germany. The ISDT (now known as the International Six Days Enduro), one of the most challenging moto racing events in the world, requires each rider to cover 200 miles a day over hellish terrain.

Prior to the event in '64 Steve McQueen and other members of U.S. team stopped off in London and bought six-pocket Barbour Internationals, derived from a one-piece racing suit first offered by the firm in 1936, as a defence against the vagaries of European weather. McQueen quickly became enamored of the International's weather-defying qualities and rugged utility, wearing it in several grueling moto races over the years. Classic images of McQueen in his Barbour grace the linings of the jackets in the new collection. Standout pieces include the Penton (above, $799) and Baker ($599) waxed cotton jackets featuring stars and stripes linings and U.S. flags on the left chest, faithfully recreating the jacket that McQueen wore in the '64 ISDT. Two other wax cotton jackets, the Trophy ($429) and the Greenham ($399), reflect McQueen's effortless style on and off the racecourse. [cont'd]

Lotus to Launch Lotus Originals Lifestyle Brand

Filed under: Apparel, Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style, The Classicist

lotus originals
Famed British sports car marque Lotus has a super-stylish history, with the likes of James Bond and Steve McQueen among its best known enthusiasts. Now the storied firm, founded in 1952 by Colin Chapman, is looking to reclaims some of that former glory with a new lifestyle brand set to launch in February. Dubbed Lotus Originals, the diverse offerings will include everything from leather jackets and blue blazers to bags and backgammon sets. The company's motor racing and sports car heritage were used as inspiration for the collection, with tire tread patterns, vintage Lotus logos, racing stripes, car silhouettes and numbers relating to the dates of famous Lotus racing victories of the 1960s and 70s appearing on certain items.

"Our goal with the Lotus Originals concept was to create a range of apparel and accessories that really capture the true spirit of our iconic British brand," notes Lotus' Wiebke Bauer. "Lotus Originals isn't just for traditional car enthusiasts, on some of the pieces the branding is very subtle allowing the style and quality to shine, so we hope that it will appeal to a much broader audience. We have developed a collection that is luxurious in a classic, understated way so it is easy to wear every day yet still make you feel part of our very special brand." The Lotus Originals collection will be launched exclusively online at www.lotusoriginals.com on February 23 during London Fashion Week with a London flagship store slated to open later in the year. Check out the gallery for a preview.

Steve McQueen's 'Le Mans' Racing Suit for Sale

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style, The Classicist

Steve McQueen's 'Le Mans' Racing Suit for Sale
The racing suit worn by the great Steve McQueen in his epic 1971 motorsports film Le Mans is being offered for sale by Toronto's Collector's Studio. The iconic two-piece flame resistant Nomex cream uniform made by Hinchman of Indianapolis bears the name of McQueen's character in the movie, Michael Delaney. It also features the insignia of Gulf, Heuer, Firestone, and the American flag. While the company has not put a firm price on the suit, there have been several serious offers so far, the highest of which is $140,000. The suit shows good signs of use and is fully documented, having been donated by Solar Productions / MGM to a British newspaper for a Le Mans themed contest in 1971. It was presented to the winner by British racing legend Richard Attwood, who won Le Mans in 1970 driving the famous Porsche 917K with Gulf livery made famous by McQueen. McQueen memorabilia is of course a proven earner; Antiquorum sold the actor's Rolex Submariner at auction last year for $234,000.

[via JamesList]

Ltd. Edition TAG Heuer Steve McQueen Motorcycle Helmet

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos


In November 2009 my colleague Jeremy Korzeniewski wrote about Triumph and TAG Heuer joining forces to create a one-of-a-kind Bonneville Heuer motorcycle inspired by Steve McQueen and the Porsche 917 that the famous actor, racecar driver and motorcycle rider piloted in the classic film Le Mans. Unfortunately the super-cool bike was never offered for sale. Now however TAG Heuer has come out with a limited edition motorcycle helmet also inspired by the King of Cool, who wore a Heuer Monaco watch in the film. The retro-styled fiberglass helmet, which features a racing stripe matching the colors on McQueen's driving gear, vintage Heuer logo, steel hardware and leather trim, is priced at about $650.

The Classicist: Celebrating a Century of Style Icons

Filed under: Apparel, Books, Men's Style

Cary Grant, James Dean, Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen, Tom Ford and David Beckham have all had an undeniably important influence on the world of men's style – but what about Truman Capote, Che Guevara, the Sex Pistols and Jarvis Cocker? They all deserve credit as well, argues Simone Werle in a cool, lavishly illustrated new book called Fashionisto: A Century of Style Icons from Prestel. Werle names 50 figures from the last 100 years who have had an impact not only on the way men choose to adorn themselves but how they act and as well. She dubs them "fashionistos", the male equivalent of the famous fashionista. What makes a man a fashionisto? "Swagger, elegance, daring, perhaps a really well cut suit," the author notes, but not always – see Oscar Wilde, Johnny Depp and Kurt Cobain.

Each icon is featured in a double page spread with glossy full-color photographs and Werle's acute observations, anecdotes, and historical insight. While you may not have personally felt the sartorial influence of Boy George or Bootsy Collins, Werle makes a compelling case for their inclusion. She divides the book into sections according to the various styles or fashion phylum represented: The Gentlemen, The Rebels, The Dandies, The Rock Stars, The Classics, The Fashion Designers, The Beautiful People, The Bands and The Extraterrestrials.

"Fashionistos like fashionistas choose clothing that accentuates their best parts, not only of their bodies but also their personalities," Werle writes. "Both know when to follow the rules of style and when to break them. And both have the courage to stay who they are. But all the same, there is a huge difference. Men have a much easier time in fashion – and yet a much more difficult one." How so, you ask? "Classic men's fashion has very clear-cut rules; if you follow them, you can't go wrong. The man who doesn't look good in a custom-made suit of fine fabric has yet to be born," she notes. "But to make a mark on the history of style, more is needed – and this is where it gets tricky. Men's fashion does not suffer rebels gladly. If you have the courage to rebel, you need self-confidence – and more than that, a sense of style."

EXCLUSIVE: Rugged Fall Style Starring the 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo

Filed under: Apparel, Spirits, Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos, Men's Style, The Classicist

Click above for a high-res image gallery and full credit info

Some people look at the colder weather as an excuse to head south for the winter; we like to think of it as an opportunity to wear lots of new clothes and find fun ways of keeping warm. In the spirit of getting ready for the season in style we took the new 2011 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, some classic country clothing and ruggedly handsome accouterments on a tour through the glorious autumnal landscape of northern New England, documenting our excursion with the cool new Olympus PEN E-PL1 digital camera. We let the foliage flaunt the bright colors, keeping the clothing to an elegant, understated palette of greens, grays and earthy tones with rich leather, suede and alligator skin details and subtle tortoiseshells and tartans for contrast. Warm textures of wool, cashmere, tweed, moleskin and waxed cotton combined with equestrian and hunting elements guard against the elements and the hazards of the terrain (and local fauna), handling any activity without sacrificing anything in the way of style.

That's also an apt description of the new Cayenne Turbo, hands-down the sportiest SUV around. For 2011 it gets a sleeker and more aggressive appearance, better performance and fuel economy, garnering it the 2011 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year title (they noted that "the Cayenne's driving experience eclipsed that of every other contender"). Powered by a 4.8-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine generating 500 hp, it can do 0–60 mph in just 4.4 seconds if you're so inclined. Equipped with the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel-drive system it can do just about anything else. Fitted with Porsche's new eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a luxurious leather interior influenced by the Panamera, it features a state-of-the-art navigation system with real-time traffic updates, a surround sound system with iPod interface, Bluetooth hands-free phone operation, 18-way adaptive sport seats and more – in short, all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a $105,000 SUV with a Porsche pedigree.

McQueen Motos & Memorabilia in Bonhams California Sale

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions


An impressive collection of Steve McQueen memorabilia including two classic Harley Davidson sidecars used in his famed 1963 flick The Great Escape (above) are being offered for sale Bonhams & Butterfields' Classic California Auction on November 13th at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The items come from the collection of McQueen's good friend, racer, stuntman and Triumph dealer Bud Ekins. The Harley sidecars date from 1936 and were used in the movie set during World War II, in which Ekins, acting as McQueen's stunt double, made the famous motorcycle jump over the wire fence.

The Harleys were disguised as German motorcycles and the sidecars were made to appear as Steib sidecars in the film. Later they were repainted for use in Badge of Courage, Steven Spielberg's 1941 and numerous other war films, and are estimated to fetch $6,000 – $8,000. Also included in the sale are a five page handwritten letter from McQueen to Ekins, estimated at $1,000 – $1,500; and assorted McQueen related memorabilia, including press clippings, four books, rare photographs and two copies of Life magazine, estimated at only $300 – $400; plus several vintage Triumphs, Harleys and more from Ekins' amazing collection. Check out the gallery for pix.

[via JamesList]

The World's Greatest Automobile Aficionados

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Books


From James Dean to Gianni Agnelli and Paul Newman to Steve McQueen, automotive journalist Robert Puyal presents portraits of eighty icons of the automobile world in his lavish, stylish new book Behind the Wheel from Flammarion. The cover (above) features the coolest photo of the ill-starred Dean driving his famous Porsche 550 Spyder that we've ever seen, demonstrating Puyal's penchant for finding the image juste. Organized by decades, the book begins with pioneers of the automotive industry such as Louis Renault and the ultra-stylish Jean Bugatti, progressing to the likes of Agnelli, Enzo Ferrari, McQueen and Newman, to modern-day aficionados such as Horacio Pagani, who designs his own supercars, and famed Ferrari collector Nick Mason of Pink Floyd. Amongst them are champion racing drivers and a couple of fictional characters as well. Even director Quentin Tarantino rates a mention for giving muscle cars so much screen time.

Persol Launches Limited Edition Steve McQueen Collection

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping, Men's Style


Legendary Italian eyewear brand Persol is re-issuing the classic foldable sunglasses made famous by the great Steve McQueen. An updated version of the brand's 714 model in tortoiseshell fitted with the King of Cool's custom blue lenses will be available in exclusive Sunglass Hut stores nationwide for $360. McQueen first sported the now-iconic shades in 1968's The Thomas Crown Affair. In 2006, a pair of Persol 714s from the actor's personal collection sold at auction for $70,000. The new Steve McQueen collection will be limited to just 10,000 handmade pieces.

In addition to the blue crystal lenses, the new 714's have an updated folding mechanism and McQueen's signature emblazoned on the inside of the temple arm as well as on the elegant accompanying leather case. The special edition models go through ten additional production phases compared to the original model. In addition, Persol will be launching a new ad campaign for 2011 featuring classic pix of McQueen sporting his Persols, shot by photographer William Claxton.

Eau de Steve McQueen

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance, Men's Style, Celebrity Design



It seems like every celebrity and his/her cousin is launching their own scents these days. Thing is, most of those celebrities are, well...you know, alive. Not this one, though.

Amidst the myriad jackets, watches and even motorcycles – and just about everything in between – licensed by the late Steve McQueen's estate comes this cologne. It features a fresh green fruit top-note, the essence of cardamom, sage and cinnamon and cedar base. And of course, the name and likeness of the legendary King of Cool himself.

It won't come cheap, with a €190 (nearly $250) list price (before shipping and taxes), and hits the market as we go to press.

Steve McQueen's Jaguar at XKSS Meet in Pebble Beach

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Events


Steve McQueen's famous 1957 Jaguar made a rare outing from the Petersen Automotive Museum to take part in a historic gathering of XKSS models (above) at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance the other day. The meet, arranged in celebration of the famed British marque's 75th anniversary, was the very first time the cars have all been together in the same place at once since coming out of the factory. 12 out of the only 16 original surviving Jaguar XKSS's, road-going versions of the D-Type racer all valued at $3 million or more, were in attendance. The cars also participated in a convoy, threading their way through Carmel over the soaring Laureles Grade to the Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway. Several of them had to be shipped over from Europe for the event. McQueen affectionately dubbed his car The Green Rat; he paid $5,000 for the Jag in the late '50s and sold it in the '60s, regretting it so much he later bought it back.

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